Do these sentences resonate? 👇
- “I keep tweaking my resume, but I never know if it’s good enough.”
- “Everyone says to ‘stand out,’ but I’m not sure what that actually means.”
- “I feel like my experience isn’t impressive compared to others my age.”
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re in good company. Crafting a compelling resume can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. But with the right strategies (and a little Gen Z magic), you can create a resume that gets noticed.
“Your resume is a marketing document, not an autobiography.” – Lisa Severy, career coach
What is a resume, really?
A resume is your personal highlight reel—a one-page snapshot of your skills, experience, and achievements designed to show employers why you’re a great fit. It’s not your life story or a list of every job you’ve ever had. Instead, it’s a curated document that helps recruiters quickly see your value and potential. For Gen Z, a resume is also a chance to showcase your unique perspective, digital savvy, and what makes you, you.
What makes a resume stand out in 2025?
Gen Z is rewriting the rules of the job search. According to a 2024 LinkedIn survey, 72% of Gen Z job seekers want their resume to reflect their values and personality—not just their skills. But with recruiters spending an average of 6 seconds scanning each resume (Deloitte, 2023), clarity and impact are everything.
What are the must-haves for a Gen Z resume?
- Clear, bold headings: Make it easy for recruiters to find what matters.
- Quantifiable achievements: “Increased social media engagement by 40%” beats “Managed Instagram account.”
- Relevant keywords: Many companies use AI to screen resumes. Use words from the job description.
- Modern design: Clean, readable fonts and a pop of color can help you stand out—just don’t overdo it.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Overloading with buzzwords: “Hardworking team player” is less effective than showing what you actually did.
- Typos and formatting errors: 58% of hiring managers say they’ll reject a resume with spelling mistakes (CareerBuilder, 2024).
- Leaving out digital skills: Gen Z is the most tech-savvy generation—show it off! List tools, platforms, or certifications you know.
What about non-traditional experience?
- Side hustles, volunteer work, and campus leadership all count. 61% of Gen Z say they’ve included freelance or gig work on their resume (Pew Research Center, 2023).
- Show your impact: Did you organize an event, launch a project, or help a friend’s business? That’s resume gold.
How do you tailor your resume for each job?
- Customize your content: Use the company’s language and values.
- Highlight the most relevant experience first: Don’t just list jobs in chronological order if something else is more impressive.
- Keep it to one page: Unless you have years of experience, short and focused wins.
Do you really need a resume summary?
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to include a summary at the top of your resume. While some people use it to quickly introduce themselves, many recruiters skip straight to your experience and skills. If you’re struggling to write a summary that feels authentic, it’s totally fine to leave it out. Instead, let your bullet points and achievements do the talking. Focus on clarity, results, and relevance—those are what actually get you noticed.
Crafting a resume is about more than just following rules—it’s about understanding what you want your story to say. Acknowledging your strengths, your growth, and your unique path is the first step toward building a resume that truly represents you.
"Your resume should be a living document—always evolving as you do." – J.T. O’Donnell, career strategist
Take a moment to reflect on your approach to resumes. Here are five questions to help you explore your relationship with your job search materials:
- What’s the story YOU want YOUr resume to tell about YOU?
- How do YOU decide which experiences or skills to highlight?
- What feedback have YOU received on YOUr resume, and how did YOU use it?
- When was the last time YOU updated YOUr resume for a specific opportunity?
- What would YOUr dream job posting say—and does YOUr resume match it?
"You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first." – Audre Lorde
Click on the dropdowns below to see the easy action items:
Do one of these things TODAY 👇
- Spotlight your impact: Pick one bullet point and add a number or result to show what you accomplished.
- Swap out a cliché: Replace a generic phrase like “team player” with a specific example of how you worked with others.
- Check your vibe: Ask a friend to read your resume and tell you what kind of person they think you are—does it match what you want to convey?
Say one (or all) of these affirmations out loud 👇
- "I have unique strengths that employers value."
- "My experiences—big and small—are worth sharing."
- "I am always learning and growing."
- "I can communicate my story with confidence."
- "My next opportunity is already on its way."
Channel that feeling 👇
Feeling stuck? Look at a job description you love and highlight the keywords—then check if they’re in your resume.
Feeling overwhelmed? Break the process into small steps: update one section at a time.
Feeling proud? Celebrate! Share your updated resume with someone who supports you.
Some vibes to close us out
Your resume is your highlight reel, not your life story.
By focusing on what matters, showing your real impact, and letting your personality shine through, you’re already ahead of the game.
Remember, you don’t have to follow every rule—just the ones that help you tell your story best.
YOU got this. 💭✨
Sources
- "98% of Gen Z workers are dealing with burnout symptoms. Here's the cause and the cure." LinkedIn (2024).
- "Gen Z and the future of work: What you need to know." Deloitte (2023).
- "How Gen Z is Shaping the Future of Work." Harvard Business Review (2023).
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